Uss Gravely (Ddg 107)

Homeport: Norfolk, Virginia Assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two Eight Naval Surface Force Atlantic Fleet Forces Command WELCOME ABOARD

USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) COAT OF ARMS

SHIELD: Dark blue is the color traditionally associated with the Navy, representing the sea. Gold denotes excellence, personifying Vice Admiral Gravely’s accomplishments and of being the ‘Man of Many Firsts,’ paving the way for others to follow. He was the first African-American commissioned as an officer from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, the first African- American to command a United States Navy warship (USS Theodore E. Chandler), the first African-American to command an American warship under combat conditions (USS Taussig), the first African- American to command a major naval warship (USS Jouett), the first African-American admiral, the first African-American to rise to the rank of Vice Admiral, and the first African-American to command a U.S. Fleet (Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet). The Aegis shield indicates the modern weaponry of the USS GRAVELY. The chevron suggests the prow of a ship; divided into quarters “Success in life is the result of several alluding to the four ships – USS Theodore E. Chandler, USS Taussig, USS Jouett and USS Falgout, commanded by Vice factors. My formula is simply education Admiral Gravely. The two red sections signify the ships he plus motivation plus perseverance. commanded during combat, one of which into direct fire (USS Education is paramount. Motivation: one Taussig). The blue lightning bolts emphasize the Vice Admiral’s expertise in naval communications. The trident represents must decide what he wants to do in life, how seapower. Black denotes strength of character. The shield displays best to get there and to proceed relentlessly the Gravely family’s coat of arms. towards that goal. Perseverance: the ability

CREST: The Gold heraldic seadog symbolizes an experienced to steadfastly proceed to your goal despite sailor, highlighting Vice Admiral Gravely’s 38 years of naval all obstacles. It is the ability to overcome.” service. The dark blue collar with the three stars displays his highest rank. Red signifies his courage and strength. The billet Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. represents acceptance from his peers for his capabilities as an Vice Admiral, USN experienced naval officer. The representation of the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star honor his highest decorations awarded.

SCROLL: The pigeon silhouettes symbolize the power to think out in advance before one takes action, a characteristic of Vice Admiral Gravely. The silhouettes also emphasize his affection for Maiden Deployment this bird. February 11 – November 18, 2013 CHARACTERISTICS/CONFIGURATION VICE ADMIRAL GRAVELY

DIMENSIONS Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr., first enlisted in Overall Length …………………………………… 510 ft. the Naval Reserves on September 15, COMMANDING OFFICER Beam ………………………………………………. 66 ft. 1942 and was trained as a Fireman Displacement Projected Full Load …………….. 9200 tons Apprentice. In 1943, he was selected for Commander Alysa L. Ambrose Mansfield Mean Draft at Projected Full Load …………………….. 33 ft. the V-12 program. On December 14, is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Sensors/Armament 1944 Gravely successfully completed and a graduate of Carnegie Mellon AN/SPY-1D(V) air search, AN/SPS-67(V)3 surface search, midshipman training, becoming the first Sperry Marine Bridge Master E-Series (BME) Radar Set, African American commissioned from the University, where she was commissioned AN/SQQ-89(V) 15 SONAR Suite, AN/SQS-53C SONAR Navy Reserve Officer Training Course. through the NROTC program and earned 1 32 Cell and 1 64 cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System a Bachelor of Science Degree in Can hold 96 RIM-66 SM-2, BGM-109 Tomahawk or His first assignment was to Camp Robert Psychology and Social History. RUM-139 VL –ASROC missiles Smalls, as the Assistant Battalion 1 5”/62 Gun System, 1 7.62 mm Phalanx (CIWS), Commander for new recruits. He began his seagoing career as a Afloat, Commander Ambrose completed division officer tours as 2 25 mm Guns, 4 50 Cal. Guns Sailor aboard the USS PC-1264, a submarine chaser that was one 2 Mk 32 Torpedo Launchers with 3 Tubes each of only two World War II ships with a largely African-American Electrical and Repair Officer in USS PELELIU (LHA 5) and as ACCOMMODATIONS crew. commissioning Combat Information Center Officer and Assistant 36 Officers and 282 Enlisted Sailors Operations Officer in USS HIGGINS (DDG 76). As a department

MAIN AND AUXILIARY MACHINERY SYSTEMS In April 1946, he was released from active duty, remaining in the head, she served as Operations Officer aboard USS SPRUANCE Naval Reserve. Gravely was recalled to active duty in 1949. As Gas Turbine/Electric Drive main Propulsion Plant: (DD 963) and USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) where she led the 4 x 26,250 SHP Gas Turbines (General Electric- LM 2500) part of the Navy's response to President Harry S. Truman's ship through a basic phase training cycle, before deploying in 2 Shafts with CRP (Controllable Reversible Pitch) Propellers Executive Order to desegregate the Armed Services, his initial Electric Power Plant ...... 3 x 3000 KW Gas Turbine assignment was as a Navy Recruiter, recruiting African-Americans GWOT Surge ’05, and a comprehensive Board of Inspection and Generators (Allison 501K34) in the D.C. area. Survey (INSURV) review. All-Electric Auxiliaries: Air Conditioning Plants ………………………... 5 x 200 ton Gravely went from recruiting to building a Navy career that Ashore, Commander Ambrose’s assignments include tours in the Reverse Osmosis Plants …………………….. 2 x 12,000 gpd lasted 38 years and included many distinguished accomplishments. Navy Staff, Director of Strategy and Policy (N5), Chief of Naval Fire Pumps …………………………………. 6 x 1,000 gpm He became the first African-American to command a U.S. Navy Personnel Command (N12) Total Force Manpower Requirements, Aircraft Carried warship, the first African-American to command an American US Joint Forces Command (J86) Joint Capability Development, 2 MH-60R Sea Hawk Helicopters warship under combat conditions, the first African-American to and the Joint Staff (J31) Force Analysis. command a major naval warship, the first African-American USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) HISTORY admiral, the first African- American to rise to the rank of vice Commander Ambrose attended the Naval Postgraduate School, admiral, and the first African-American to command a U.S. Fleet. Contract Awarded …………………... September 13, 2002 earning a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Affairs, Region Security Studies, Middle East. She completed Joint Keel Laid …………………...... November 26, 2007 Admiral Gravely served aboard the following: PC-1264, Iowa, Launch ……………………...... March 30, 2009 Professional Military Education Phase I and II, and is designated Toledo and Seminole. He served as Commanding Officer of the Christening …………………...... May 16, 2009 Theodore E. Chandler, Falgout, Taussig, and Jouett. His last tour as a Joint Specialty Officer. Commissioned………………...... November 20, 2010 of duty before his retirement in August 1980, was as Director of Commander Ambrose’s personal decorations include the Defense the Defense Communications Agency in Washington, overseeing Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy SHIP’S SPONSOR: Mrs. Alma Gravely the communications network linking Washington with American and allied Commendation Medal (5), Navy Achievement Medal (4), and bases worldwide. various unit, campaign and service medals.

Admiral Gravely was highly decorated, with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal.

CDR Ted Carlson CMDCM(SW/SS) Neal Olds Executive Officer Command Master Chief